Growing Cardoon

Cynara cardunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Cardoon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 55°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 59 inches apart
  • Harvest in 34-35 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best grown in separate bed.
  • Cardoon foliage

Cardoon is a tender perennial from the same family as globe artichokes, grown as an annual for its young leaf-stalks.

Blanch the stems. Tie the leaves together in a bunch and wrap paper or sacking around the stems. Or, form a hill of soil around the stem. Harvest four to six weeks after blanching. Cut them off at ground level and trim off the outer leaves.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cardoon

Cut off the base and leaves, then cut the stalks into pieces.
Boil the stalks for around 20 minutes until tender: drain, and peel off the surface of the stalks. Add precooked cardoons to a variety of dishes, they go well with mushrooms.

Your comments and tips

13 Feb 24, Lyn barnard (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i obtain cardoon plants or seed on south africa
08 Feb 24, Sofia (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Hi! Can anyone suggest varieties that are likely to overwinter and establish as perennials in Zone 6b? Thanks!
27 Apr 23, Lorraine Harla (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I use to live close to the Saw Mill Parkway in Westchester County in New York..I am looking for the Cardoon seeds that grew in that area. I notice there are several varieties. I would like to know where to purchase these seeds.
14 Oct 21, Leslie Trail (USA - Zone 6b climate)
You can also buy seeds at www.rareseed.com (Baker Creek seeds) They have a variety called "GOBBO DI NIZZIA" It is great for cooking or just for the flowers.
05 Oct 21, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try Plant world seeds
28 Sep 21, Caroline Burczyk (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Do deer eat this plant in the garden ?
08 Oct 21, Trevor (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They may not, as my sheep and goats do not. It must be the furry texture of te leaves or smell. Good luck, from Tasmania
02 Oct 21, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Caroline, I found that if I planted Catmint as a border, the deer wouldnt cross it. So saved my garden and had beautiful blue flowers
19 Jan 20, Linda Garland (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If I cut end of season cardoons down to about 10 inches above the grou d will they still send out shoots?
26 Dec 19, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Can cardoons be grown in a spot that receives afternoon shade? If so, do I still need to blanch the stems?
Showing 1 - 10 of 17 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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